 |
| Fig.4.32 |
In Figure
4.32 is shown the typical low-velocity appearance of blood
flow emerging from the inferior vena cava and moving into the
right ventricle through the open tricuspid valve. Note that flow
in the right ventricle curling toward the outflow tract at the
upper right exhibits a color change corresponding to the direction.
Regurgitation of the tricuspid valve, like all the other cardiac
valves, is best detected during the two-dimensional echocardiographic
examination. The most common views where such insufficiency is
found are the apical four-chamber, short-axis parasternal at the
level of the aortic root, subcostal, and right ventricular inlet
views.
 |
| Fig.4.33 |
As with the other valves, tricuspid regurgitant jets may be found
in any size, spatial configuration, and direction. Figure
4.33 demonstrates a long and narrow jet of tricuspid regurgitation
that nearly reaches the posterior wall of the right atrium, directed
toward the interatrial septum. Tricuspid regurgitation is frequently
found, even in normal patients. In these cases, the area of the
regurgitation is usually small.
 |
| Fig.4.34 |
The effects of tricuspid insufficiency may also be seen in the
inferior vena cava as shown in
Figure 4.34. Here a burst of red is visible in systole as
the flow is typically reversed in direction backwards into the
hepatic veins.
2004